Sister Dolores Clerico leaves with fond memories

Neighbors

ST. JOSEPH'S Roman Catholic Community has seen tremendous growth in its family ministry program in the past few years, in large part because of Sister Dolores Clerico.

After six years at the Eldersburg parish, Clerico will be departing at the end of next month for another challenge. Clerico will step into a leadership position at the Mother House of Sisters of St. Joseph in Chestnut Hill, a suburb of Philadelphia.

During her six years at St. Joseph's, Clerico felt blessed to be part of "leading the community to a sense of what it really means to be a Catholic Christian in today's world."

Clerico has been instrumental in the growth of the parish's family ministry, which involves many of the church's 2,000 families.

"The family ministry has evolved while I have been here," she said. "It's been a pleasure to help strengthen it and watch it grow."

Although I asked Clerico what she felt had been her greatest impact on the parish, she indicated that the question should be the other way around, describing St. Joseph's as "a wonderful place to share life with people -- the daily stuff of life and God. A real sense of walking the journey together and of discovering where God is and how God moves" are what has made her time at St. Joseph's so memorable.

Church members attended a reception to wish Clerico well Sunday.

Officers installed

Freedom District Lioness Club recently held its Installation Night in Celebration Hall at Messiah Lutheran Church. Past District Gov. Robert J. Miller installed the newly elected officers.

In addition to the Summer Reading Club, the Eldersburg branch of Carroll County public library has educational programs planned for all ages.

Even the tiniest of tots are invited to the library for "Creative Movement for Twos." This program for ages 24 months to 36 months will be presented at 10 a.m. July 7 and offers music and movement taught by Shellie Rosso.

A parent or caregiver is required to participate. Participants are asked to make other arrangements for the care of siblings.

Children ages 3 and older are invited to a hands-on percussion workshop at 1: 30 p.m. July 8. Percussionist Nedy Arevalo will share his talent as he encourages the children to enjoy his drums or bring their own.

Children who have completed kindergarten through fifth grade can enjoy "Marvelous Moos" at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 9. Stories, facts and an udder-ly irresistible bovine puppet highlight this program.

To register for any of these programs, call the library at 410-795-3520.

Sherry Graham's Southeast neighborhood column appears each Tuesday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.